Press for a wooden truss

ABSTRACT

To create and to meet a new wood products market for factory fabricated all wood structural components, such as joists and trusses, new methods and apparatus are made available. Whole wood boards are positioned to include spaces to form an overall contour of a larger structural sub-assembly. Thereafter, their fitted and/or near abutment portions are overlaid first with flue and then with selectively formed and grain orientated plywood reinforcements, which may either in the alternative or in addition be overlaid with glue before their placement. All the joining surfaces between all whole wood and plywood components are secured together, by utilizing methods and apparatus, wherein glue alone, as a fastening agent, is thoroughly and uniformly distributed under controlled forces created by new apparatus. During fabrication of these new wood products, high contact pressures are maintained while both environmental and glue temperatures are closely controlled, whereby, strong joints are resulting overall all wood structures of great strength are produced. Moreover, the methods employed and the apparatus utilized make it possible to produce these all wood products more efficiently within a comparatively shorter factory building, as transverse rather than longitudinal movements of the all wood products are undertaken during their production.

Jan. 9, 1973 y B. CHANDLER 3,709,752

PRESS FOR A WOODEN TRUSS Filed Sept 1. 1970 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. bf/V'O/V (54/01/0115? Jan. 9, 1973 CHANDLER PRESS FOR A WOODEN muss I 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed pt- 1, 1970 Jan. 9, 1973 a. CHANDLER PRESS FOR A WOODEN TRUSS ATfOF/VEV Jan. 9, 1973 v a. CHANDLER 3,709,762

PRESS FOR A WOODEN TRUSS Filed Sept. 1, 1970 5 Sheets-Sheet 4.

9, 1973 a. CHANDLER ,709

PRESS FOR A WOODEN TRUSS Filed Sept. 1, 1970 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 United States Patent 3,709,762 PRESS FOR A WOODEN TRUSS Benson Chandler, P.O. Box 224, Medina, Wash. 98039 Filed Sept. 1, 1970, Ser. No. 68,715 Int. Cl. 33% 31/00; Bb 1/10 US. Cl. 156-580 11 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE To create and to meet a new wood products market for factory fabricated all wood structural components, such as joists and trusses, new methods and apparatus are made available. Whole wood boards are positioned to include spaces to form an overall contour of a larger structural sub-assembly. Thereafter, their fitted and/or near abutment portions are overlaid first with glue and then with selectively formed and grain orientated plywood reinforcements, which may either in the alternative or in addition be overlaid with glue before their placement.

All the joining surfaces between all whole wood and plywood components are secured together, by utilizing methods and apparatus, wherein glue alone, as a fastening agent, is thoroughly and uniformly distributed under controlled forces created by new apparatus. During fabrication of these new wood products, high contact pressures are maintained while both environmental and glue temperatures are closely controlled, whereby, strong joints and resulting overall all wood structures of great strength are produced.

Moreover, the methods employed and the apparatus utilized make it possible to produce these all wood products more efiiciently within a comparatively shorter factory building, as transverse rather than longitudinal movements of the all wood products are undertaken during their production.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As set forth in the United States patents of others, such as 2,520,333; 3,067,544; and 3,170,198, and in the applicants patent 3,345,792, wood built construction of principal structural components of buildings have been indicated wherein no or little reliance was placed on metallic fasteners. However, there remained requirements for stronger all wood principal structural components, secured together with glue without reliance upon metallic fasteners, which could be fabricated and sold in competition with combined wood and metal, and all metal principal structural components, such as joists, trusses, etc.

Therefore an integrated analysis, was undertaken of: embodiments of all wood structural products; available adhesives, fillers and combinations and mixtures thereof; embodiments of apparatus and of related factory layouts. The initial analysis indicated past and current designs, development, and inventions were not meeting the competition of combined wood and metal, and all metal principal structural components, because the resultant overall strengths were not to be realized while still providing a competitive product. As a consequence, new embodiments of products, new manufacturing apparatus, and new methods of fabrication were all relatedly invented together to offer, competitively these all wood principal structural components.

SUMMARY All wood fabricated principal structural components for erection in overall structures are offered in competition with combined wood and metal and all metal structural components. They are secured together without any inclusion of metallic fasteners. Sole reliance is placed 3,709,762 Patented Jan. 9, 1973 upon strengths of controlled glue lines and surfaces. Whole wood components are arranged to form a selected fabricated structural member, such as a joist or truss, and then they are positioned and held by gluing grain orientated, overlying, plywood components at their joining locations. Throughout all whole Wood and plywood components, their best strengths, based on their respective directional orientation of their wood grains, are relied upon to obtain the maximum overall resultant strength of any selected embodiment of these all wood fabricated principal structural components.

The methods of fabrication and apparatus utilized in producing them center on their transverse movements throughout assembly, pressing and finishing stations, wherein, at all times minimum overall handling is necessary and only minimum fabrication areas are needed. The repeating production results are all wood fabricated structural components, such as joists and trusses, which are stronger than any heretofore known all wood components ever produced, with the purpose in mind of being able to competitively price them in competition with other types of structural components comprising either all metal members or combined metal and wood members.

DRAWINGS OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Selected embodiments of both an all wood fabricated principal structure components and of production apparatus are illustrated in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a selected all wood fabricated principal structure component designated as a rigid frame joist with an eccentric end configuration;

FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view, with portions removed for illustrative purposes, showing in particular the overlaid plywood components at joints of whole wood components of the rigid frame joist shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial elevational view of only one locale of overlaid plywood components at joints of whole wood components showing another positioning of the overlaid plywood, filler whole wood components, and filling grout than that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an overall embodiment of production apparatus wherein transverse fabrication stations are efficiently and conveniently arranged, with a fitting jig table, press platens and final inspection or delivery table which are all arranged adjacent one another;

FIG. 5 is a partial end view of the production apparatus illustrating the pivotal and retractable holddown reaction subassemblies providing for the transverse quick entry and exit of fabricated joists with respect to the press station;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of some of the hydraulic and mechanical actuator parts, also shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 8, which move opposed motion components of the press relative to one another;

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of one pivotal, interlocking, assembly of the overall frame of the press to complete the press load reaction structures;

FIG. 8 is a substantially complete end view of the production apparatus, illustrating with dotted lines and directional arrows, how hydraulically actuated transfer linkages are used to remove an assembled joist from its assembly station, raise it and transfer it to its pressing station, how opposed motion components of the press are relatively moved to press an assembled joist, and how a released assembled joist is directed to an inspection station and loaded onto a conveyance;

FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged view with portions broken away and modified and simplified in part and also using motion arrows, to illustrate how one of several transverse lifters are simultaneously moved to raise an assembled joist from horizontally positioned jig and to translate this assembled joist for its loading into the adjacent press station;

FIG. is a partial side elevation of the press station, with portions broken away and motion arrows used to illustrate the adjustable and relocatable pressure application platen subassemblies that are selectively positioned over overlying plywood reinforcements located at all joints of whole wood members to fully transfer the press loads to each joint in its entirety and while so doing optionally heating the joints as heat is applied from within the platens; and

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10 of the press station, with portions broken away and motion arrows being used to further illustrate the adjustable and relocatable pressure application platen sub-assemblies.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Introduction to entire description Throughout this description of preferred embodiments of a new product, new method and new apparatus resulting from commencement of an overall integrated analysis, the interrelationships of the requirements of product, method and apparatus are set forth with references being made to the drawings. The description commences first with a presentation of a preferred embodiment of the product which is fulfilling a competitive position in the marketplace. Then, a preferred embodiment of the method is described which insures the strength and quality of all products. In conclusion, a preferred embodiment of apparatus is explained which offers an economically operated facility for performing the method to create the strong, high quality, and competitively offered all-wood principal structural components.

Introduction to all wood principal structural component In FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, a preferred embodiment of the product is shown. It is an all wood principal structural component 20, best referred to as a truss and shown in a configuration to be used as a roof and/or floor joist. All of its various composite pieces are secured together with glue. No fasteners are used.

To indicate the etficient utilization of wood that is possible, a three panel truss 20 is illustrated in FIG. 1. Always top or loading bearing chords 22, 24, 26 diagonal end members 28, 30 and lower chords 32, 34, 36 are of the same transverse thickness. These whole Wood prime members are glued together and, only in compression joints, fiowable and hardening filler is used as necessary. Then they are, in addition, connected together by gluing plywood supplemental members such as gusset and/or haunch plates 40, 42 located selectively at the whole wood joints. In some locations, smaller whole wood blocks serve as wood filler members. They are fitted and glued between converging whole wood members 22, 28 and adjacent the overlying plywood gusset or haunch plates 40, 42. All of these composite members of all wood principal structural components 20, such as the illustrated three panel truss 20, serve one or more load carrying functions and/or load distribution requirements to create a stronger overall product 20.

Commencing with an understanding of current research findings, based on structural whole wood and structural plywood tests, each of these composite members of an all wood structural component 20, has been sized and placed to create an overall beneficial distribution of an entire resultant loading that is expected to occur upon the installation of such component 20 in an overall structure, such as a factory and/or office building, not shown. In summary, these research results are: in comparison to other structural building materials, wood, in reference to its weight and cost, has a comparatively high tensile and compressive strength; the bending strength of wood is 25% to 33% greater than either its tensile or compressive strength; the tensile strength of wood in comparison to its compressive strength ranges down to about 80% of its direct compression strength; the ratio for wood is 1 to 16 with respect to its horizontal shear strength when compared to its bending strength; moreover, wood has nominal bearing strength transverse to its grain.

Therefore, these research results indicate how this all wood structural product 20 has been developed to selectively acquire the maximum utilization of bending strength of each respective composite member of these particular trusses, etc., positioned in their overall combined configuration, when such bending strength is known to be advantageous in reducing, tensile stresses, compressive stresses, and/or shear stresses. Moreover, this all wood structural product 20 has been developed by utilizing a glue, only, fastening method which is compatible with acquiring this maximum utilization of the bending strength while keeping both the shear stresses and bearing stresses at a reduced level.

Further, to acquire this new all wood structural product 20 of greater strength, while comparatively reducing the overall weight of the wood in each truss 20, etc., its joints have been made essentially rigid to thereby make the entire truss 20 essentially rigid. In so doing, each joint, as necessary is capable of fully developing the bending strength of the related transversely loaded members. Each truss of joist 20, has wide spaces between joints, i.e. wide panels. As illustrated in FIG. 1, truss or joist 20 has a 3 panel configuration with a rigid frame which comprises in effect a loop of chords and diagonals. Its top chord 22, 24, 26 is subjected to a compressive stress that is comparatively lower than chord stresses occurring in less rigid trusses of other designs.

The rigidity is obtained by not using penetrating, tearing and/or cutting fasteners, but instead by utilizing glue 52, with wood fillers 44, wood-like softened fillers 38 that harden, and overlying thin plywood pieces, that are specially shaped and grain orientated to become gussets 40 and haunches 42.

Glue line integrity is enhanced by using a glue 52 selected from one of several proven elastic adhesives. Preferably those which are moisture resistant are used, such as melamine formaldehyde and resorcinal formaldehyde. To the latter, a phenolic compound may be added for economy. These glues are easily cured during short heating periods under sufficient pressures so high production rates are possible. The utilization of the this plywood overlays 42, 44, does not unduly hinder the transfer of curing heat during press operations.

At all times the thinness of the plywood gussets 40 and haunches 42 is compatible with prime requirements of load distribution. Each plywood overlay 40, 42, especially the very long ones have sufiicient reserve strength to avoid tearing while fully developing the maximum compression and tension in the adjoining whole wood composite members of a truss 20, etc. Moreover, the thinness of the plywood overlays 40, 42 insures the wanted development of shear strength across contacting faces of whole wood to plywood throughout their narrow overlapping portions.

The plywood gussets 40 or haunches 42 are shaped and positioned so their Wood grain fibers are arranged at about 45 to the joint line between the whole wood members such as a top chord section 22 and diagonal end member 28 covered by haunch 42. Also, the haunches 42 have their important overall edge contour shapes. These gussets 40 and haunches 42, although made of thin plywood, meet the overall specifications, for example, for a truss 20 designed for a sixty foot span to carry the roof load, yet the plywood material is made of plys totalling from A to inch in thickness.

To further develop, the entire continuity of Wood and compatible wood gluing and wood filling products 38, all the intended designed spaces between the near joining compression butt ends of whole wood composite truss members are filled with a nonshrinkable high strength grout, Such a product is known by the trade name of For-rock which is believed to be a starting mixture of portland cement and a filler, and at the time of use a catalyst is added. However, any non-shrinking grout that is water setting may be used.

As indicated previously, the best strength properties of whole wood and plywood are utilized in these trusses 20. In this regard, to obtain the efficient utilization of the minimum wood and plywood composite truss members with corresponding reduction in factory production times, bending stresses are uniquely redistributed as already shown and described in conjunction with the utilization of gussets 40 and haunches 42. Moreover, where a more beneficial distribution of all stresses, expecially through redistribution of bending stresses, is needed to reduce the material and fabrication time costs, then bending stress resistance is enhanced at the places of support for respective truss ends. Such buildup of this resistance is undertaken by providing a very rigid end truss connection to a support, not shown, in an eccentric configuration as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The truss is secured to such a support, wall or column, not shown, as top chord 22 rests on the support. In such position, a haunch 42 overlay is used with, preferably, a whole wood filler block 44 and these components are secured by glue 52.

The effective eccentric configuration is further observed by noting in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, that when the respective centerlines of top chord section 22 and diagonal end member 28 are imaginarily extended transversely, they meet at a point 54 which is beyond the location of an eventual support, such as a wall or column, that is schematically symbolized by the support arrow 60. This illustrates how this eccentricity at the time of the truss design may be calculated so the exact required bending moment will be transmitted to the respective end of a top chord section 22 and beyond to the middle top chord section 24 through their rigid overall connection 70. By applying this bending moment into top chord 22, the bending moment in diagonal 28 is simultaneously reduced by an amount proportionate to its stiffness, relative to the stiffness of chord 22. Bending is thereby removed from diagonal 28, where it is undesirable, and placed into chord 22, where it is needed to reduce overall bending, transferred through rigid connection to chord 24.

Such relocation, modification and/or redistribution of bending forces through such transmission of forces is only undertaken when it is beneficial in modifying tensile and compressive forces at various locations throughout truss 20. A design and stress analysis followed by the manufacture of a truss 20 in accordance with the design using the method and apparatus of this invention, results in the production of a truss 20 which carries comparatively larger loads while requiring a smaller overall mass of wood.

In regard to the embodiment illustrated, the redistribu tion of bending forces is undertaken at each truss end at the joint of top chord section 22 or 26, and diagonal end member 28 or 30, by using a whole wood filler block 44 and a long plywood haunch 42 in a glued assembly. The upper, outer points of haunch 42 are required to be extended to strengthen the end of top chord 22, which must resist entire load, and also to resist pealing haunch 42 caused by large rotational forces. The rigidity of these end joints is enhanced as the respective opposite ends of diagonal end members 28 or 30 are joined to central vertical strut or leg 66, and lower chord sections 32, 34 and/or 36 by employing whole wood filler blocks 62 and plywood haunches 64 with glue being evenly distributed throughout the joining surfaces.

At the joining of top chord section 24, at its respective ends, to respective chord sections 22 and 26 and to central vertical struts or legs 66, the joints are filled in part with a flowable hardening filler 38 which elastically compensates for contraction of whole wood composite members, thereby avoiding unwanted and unnecessary internal stresses. The filler 38 also forms a T, which bears against wood filler 68 and forms a larger section for bending resistance. Also, glue 52 is used throughout between the joining surfaces of either wood to wood or wood filler. Whole wood fillers 68 and a plywood central gusset 70 continue the redistribution of the bending loads.

For further enhancement of the overall rigidity of truss 20, gussets 40 are used where respective lower chord sections 32 and 36 join respective end leg or struts 46.

Wherever a plywood gusset or haunch is employed to play its role in maintaining rigidity and/ or in transferring, redistributing, and modifying bending forces, or in carrying other forces such as those which would otherwise cause tearing, the grain patterns are always arranged in a designated direction, as illustrated throughout the FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 with shading lines indicating such grain arrangements in the outer layer or ply of plywood. For example, haunch 42 has its outer plywood grain running on a forty-five degree angle pattern.

However, as indicated, where bending and compression only are to be transferred, as through haunches 70 and 72, the outer plywood grain is always parallel to top chord sections 22, 24, 26.

By comparing FIGS. 2 and 3, with respect to the joining of top chord sections 22, 24, 26 to central vertical struts or legs 66, modifications of the plywood gusset or haunches 70, 72 with slight changes of whole wood fillers 68, 74 are possible within a range of specified bending stresses that are to be utilized beneficially to create a truss 20 of comparatively greater strength from an assembly of wood of the same or lower overall weight. T plug of grout 38 and haunch-shaped parallel plywood 70 is specifically required, unless bending is too great, and then a continuous member replaces chord portions 22, 24, 26.

INTRODUCTION TO METHOD OF MAKING AN ALL WOOD PRINCIPAL STRUCTURAL COMPO- NENT The all wood principal structural component 20 in the illustrated embodiment or in its other embodiments, not shown, will only serve its designed load function if all of its components are, in every joint, sufficiently secured together. In this truss 20 glued together and not held by other fastening means, the contact of adjoined components through the glue must be thorough and strong. Lack of glue and/or too much glue must be avoided. Wherever glue is specified it must be there in the right quantity and be in thorough contact with adjoining components. This method of this invention insures that all the glued joints will be so constituted. Stated in another way, there will be adequate and uniform glue line contact throughout, which is often referred to as glueline integrity.

THE METHOD OF MAKING AN ALL WOOD PRINCIPAL STRUCTURAL COMPONENT The method comprises the following steps to create a designed principal structural component 20 composed entirely of wood:

(1) Cutting whole wood members from specified cross sectional shaped lumber having grain running longitudinally to serve as the principal members of a principal structural component such as a truss;

(2) Cutting whole wood filler members;

(3) Cutting plywood gusset and haunch members with grains running on a bias with respect to both principal members being joined;

(4) Arranging all the components of whole wood on a level layout support placing them in near contact with each other;

(5) Coating all whole wood surfaces to be joined with glue such as phenol resorcinol formaldehyde at a temperature of 70 F.;

(6) Filling butt voids in top chord with a nonshrinking filler such as Por-rock at a temperature of 70 F.;

(7) Arranging jig members to transversely hold all the components of whole wood in their level layout positions with glue lines in full contact;

(8) Coating with glue such as phenol resorcinol formaldehyde at a temperature of 70 F. all plywood to whole wood engaging surfaces at the component joints;

(9) Placing the plywood over at least one side of each joint of components;

(10) Compressing the whole wood and, plywood together uniformly under a pressure in the range of 100 psi. to 600 p.s.i., while maintaining the temperature in and about the joint between 150 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of 30 seconds to 30 minutes;

(11) Removing the compression forces and the transverse holding forces freeing the completed principal structural component; and

(12) Allowing the temperature to drop to the environmental temperature of 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

These are steps, with some withdrawals and/or additions which are followed to create an all wood principal structural component such as truss 20, of comparatively greater strength than previously fabricated wood components yet using an assembly of wood of the same or lower overall weight.

INTRODUCTION TO APPARATUS USED IN FABRI- CATING ALL WOOD PRINCIPAL STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS An all wood principal structural component such as truss 20 made by following a method which assures glueline integrity is best made economically by using apparatus which is easily adjusted and controlled with respect to temperatures and pressures and requires a minimum of processing space. The overall apparatus or machine 100, illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 11, is the preferred embodiment in which viable all glued comparatively light, low density, open space, trusses, joists, etc., may be economically manufactured. In such manufacture excellent glueline integrity is obtained at all times to maximize the benefits of these rigid frame designs wherein secondary, rotational stresses are developed to redistribute stresses throughout an all wood principal structural component, such as truss 20, resulting in its economical and quality production.

To reduce space requirements, machine 100 is arranged for transverse movement of the truss 20 from its layout and assembly work area 102 to its press portion 104 and onto its inspection and stacking and/or transporting area 106. This material flow direction is accommodated by having unique quick opening side members 108 on the press 104 which during compression are carrying the reactive forces.

Throughout the encompassing space surrounding the machine 100, the environmental temperature is controlled at a selected temperature, within a preferred range of 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Beyond this controlled temperature, heat source units 110 are utilized in conjunction with pressure application platens 112 and 114 at all joint fabrication locales. Such overall temperature controls insure that no glue will cure too soon before glue line securing contacts are finalized and conversely all glue will cure within an economical processing time limit.

To insure that uniform pressures will be applied throughout each joint at the same level as all other joints of each all wood principal structural component 20, the principal top and bottom pressing members 116, 118 of the press 104 of machine 100 are always moved together through a finite distance, so no unwanted excessive crushing of a truss 20 will occur anywhere throughout its length. Such overall finite travel limitation, however, requires that selective preadjustments or settings of commencing clearance spaces be undertaken at the various joints of a truss 20 that are being glued under the specified controlled pressures applied within localized and overall environments kept at specified temperatures. These localized pre-adjustments or settings of commencing clearance spaces existing before top and bottom press member 116, 118 are moved together through their finite travel, are made by adjusting one or more of many leveling screws 120 that are preferably positioned with lower platens 114.

All these features are supplemented by using various unique subassernblies of both stationary and moving components which are preferred to increase the speed of production while at all times maintaining the quality of a product 20 which quality centers on insuring glueline integrity. Descriptions of these subassemblies follow in the order of their utilization in the respective layout area 102, press area 104, and inspection area 106, shown in FIG. 4, which is an overall perspective view of machine 100.

Layout area apparatus As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 8, and 9, in layout area 102 of machine 100', a layout table 122 has a steel frame 124 and wood top 126 composed of spaced transverse boards 128. An all wood principal structural component 20, is fitted together on top 126. Depending on the number of follow-on like components 20 to be manufactured, many different positioning accessories, such as clamps, guides, spacers, abutments, etc., are used in controlling the positions of the chords 22, diagonals 28, struts 46, etc., comprising for example, some of the principal members of a truss 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, and 9.

While the principal members of a truss 20 are so positioned on layout table 122, they are supplemented by whole wood fillers 44, 74, etc., and made ready to receive flowable subsequent hardening fillers 38. Then they may be glued throughout all joining surfaces and moved into contact or into position to receive the flowable 38. Subsequently, the plywood gussets and haunches 40, 42, etc. are glued and positioned in contact with the joining portions of respective principal members of truss 20.

Shortly, thereafter, a lifting-transfer mechanism 132 of layout 102 is activated to raise truss 20 and to commence its transfer to press area 104, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. At spaced locations throughout the length of layout area 102, transfer supports 134 are selectively and removably placed between transverse boards 128 of wood top 126 of layout table 122. They are supported below with their depending legs 136 filled to respective longitudinal rail supports 138, 140. The latter are in turn secured with fasteners 142 at spaced locations to transverse brackets 144. Pivotal connectors 146 are used to join transverse brackets 144 to parallel actuated crank arms 148 that are integral with respective paired, parallel longitudinal torque tubes 150 positioned by bearings 151, as illustrated in FIGS. 8, and 9, The torque tubes 150 also have respective integral parallel actuating crank arms 152 which are connected together by control rod 154 using pivotal connectors 156.

A hydraulic actuator 158 is pivotally secured between control rod 154 and frame 124 by pivotal fasteners 160. Upon the manipulation of controls, not shown, hydraulic fluid under pressure is delivered to actuator 158 through hydraulic lines 162, 164 shown in part, in FIG. 9. Depending on the direction of fluid flow, control arm 154 is transversely translated to either raise or lower the liftingtransfer mechanism 132. Upon raising, transfer supports 134 carry a truss 20 up and from its layout area 102 and over for its entry into the adjacent press area 104 as illustrated in FIG. 8. At this transfer locale the departure of truss 20 is made convenient as it travels over the rollers 166 installed throughout transfer supports 134.

Press area apparatus As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 8 the layout, press and inspection areas are located adjacent one another so that a truss 20 moves transversely, with respect to its length, through the manufacturing process. In the layout and inspection areas 103, 106 such production flow is readily undertaken. However, in the press area 104, provisions must be made and are made to clear away quick opening side members or vertical structures 108 during entry or exit of a truss 20. Yet during pressing of a truss 20, these load reacting vertical side structures 108 must be in a position to carry the reactive loads. Therefore, their convenient manipulation and adjustment is a necessity.

In FIG. 5, press 172 is opening awaiting truss 20 and in FIG. 8, press 172 is closed with truss 20 located between the various platens 112, 114. Preferably, spaced principal top members 116 of press 172 are secured to an overhead building structure 174, shown in part in FIG. 5, by using longitudinal support beams 175 and threaded support rods 176. Any talkeup n nuts 178 along rods 176 moves the support beams 175 and therefore the principal top press members 116 upwardly carry ing along high platens 112, as further illustrated in FIG. 10. As indicated in FIG. 8, during pressing operations, top press members 116, lift off the support beams 175 at least a distance greater than the clearance needed subsequently to separate tensioning members after a pressing operation, as will be discussed.

Between the principal top press member 116 and high platens 112, in an overall group 179, are various longitudinal and transverse members, illustrated in FIGS. 5, 8, and 11, which are arranged to be utilized and adjusted so these high platens 112 may be positioned directly over a truss joint. Two overhead longitudinal I beams 180, 182 extend the length of press 172 to support and to guide groupings 184 of high transverse I beams, 186, 188, and 190. They are secured together with longitudinal angle pieces 192, 194 which overlay the bottom outer flanges 196 of I beams 180, 182 to serve as guides as the groupings 184 are moved to new positions. Such movement is aided by their rollers 198 which move along the bottom inner flanges 200 of I beams 180, 182. Once in place, setscrews 202 on angle 194 are tightened.

Transverse adjustments of high platens'112 is undertaken as their above positioned guide angles 204 follow along the lower flanges 206 of at least two transverse beams 186, 190. These guide angles 204 are secured to short longitudinal channels 208 to which high platens 112 are also directly secured. Setscrews 210 are used to maintain their selected adjusted positions over designated truss joints during a pressing operation.

Between the principal bottom press members 118 and the low platens 114 are various longitudinal and transverse members, illustrated in FIGS. 5, 8, 10, and 11, which are arranged to be utilized and adjusted so these low platens 114 may be positioned directly under a truss joint. Then when pressing is undertaken, a substantial number of low platens 114 are moved upwardly with a truss 20, through a finite distance under the power of a hydraulic actuator 214 working through a multiple drive toggle mechanism 216 and a multiple driven toggle mechanism 218 to contact the high platens 112. To compensate for truss irregularities, etc., adjusting screws 120 are used throughout the low platen supports 220. Therefore, the finite travel of the overall low platens 114 results in substantially similar pressures being applied at all truss joints.

In the overall group 222 of various lower longitudinal and transverse members are the lower longitudinal I beams 224, 226 respectively positioned below overhead longitudinal I beams 180, 182. Throughout their length they are uniformly raised as toggle mechanisms 216, 218 are moved upon operation of hydraulic actuator 214 served by hydraulic lines 228, 230. Groupings 232 of lower transverse I beams 234, 236 and 238 are guided along beams 224, 226 being connected together and directional- 10 ly constrained by angles 240, 242 and aided by rollers 244. Once in position their set screws 246 are tightened.

In FIG. 6, the toggle mechanisms 216, 218 are shown more clearly in a partial perspective view. Positioned along the top of principal bottom press member 118, are two slidable channel followers 248, 250. Connected between them is hydraulic actuator 214. Also each follower 248, 250 is pivotally joined to a connecting bar 252 of toggle mechanisms 216 by respective pins 254. These connecting bars 252 in turn are then pivotally secured to the respective ends of a double crank arm 256 by pins 258. Crank arm 256 in turn is pivotally secured to the top of bottom press member 118 by pin 260. At the spaced outer ends of followers 248, 250, are bearing receivers 262. They serve with like bearing receivers 262 positioned above in the interior of a transverse channel 264 secured to the bottoms of low longitudinal I beams 224, 226. They assist in the transmission of lifting forces between and through them, upon the righting movements of the confined pushed pry bars 266 which are caused to occur when hydraulic actuators 214 are extended moving followers 248, 250. The vertical height of pry bars 266, arms, struts or supports 266 is the compression travel limiting means so the overall forces of the hydraulic actuators will be selectively restrained to avoid any excessive pressures and thereby to avoid unwanted crushing of any wood in a truss 20. At all times, the vertical movement of transverse channel 264 is guided at each of its ends by followers 268 secured to it and partially enclosing a vertical tension T bar 270, secured to the bottom principal press member 118. Moreover, selective and effective spot adjustments of this limited overall travel are initially made by turning the spacer or leveling screws 120 at the low platens 114.

However, before any compressive forces are applied to a truss 20, utilizing the finite travel of these toggle mechanisms 216, 218, the principal top press members 116 are connected to principal bottom press member 118 at each pair of their respective sides by a quick opening side member assembly 108, inclusive of a multi-piece adjustable latching means 272, shown in detail in FIG. 7 and in the overall assemblies in FIGS. 4, 5, and 8. Secured to the bottom principal press members 118 are vertical tension T bars 270. Latch plates 274 are secured to the respective tops of T bars 270 with bolts 276. The bottoms 278 of lower latch plates 274 are beveled upwardly and inwardly. These beveled locking structures are respectively matched by the tops 280 of wider upper latch plates 282 which upon engagement are positioned below lower latch plates 274. Spaced, anchored tension rods 284, 286 are passed up through end located receiving holes 288 in the wider upper latch plates 282 and secured. Also tension rods 284, 286 are nonrotatably secured above on rotatable torque tube or cylinders 290, so they will rotate with the torque tubes 290. They are secured by passing them through holes in torque cylinder 290, where a sleeve reinforcement 292 is positioned. They are adjustably positioned by using an adjustable nut 294 turned on threads 296 of each tension rod 284, 286 to accurately vertically position all of the components of each quick opening side member assembly 108. This includes the uniform interfitting of the beveled locking structures that are provided on both the lower and upper latch plates 274, 282. The threaded adjustments insure each quick opening side member assembly 108 will be carrying its full reacting tensile force. The torque tubes 290 are held in bearing structures 289 on tension plates 291 secured to the principal top press members 116.

When the positioning of these beveled locking structures 274, 282 is undertaken before the press is unloaded, they remain apart. Only after the pressing operation commences do they contact one another and then transmit the tension forces. At this pressing operational time, the top press members 116 lift off their support beams at least a 1 1 distance greater than the clearance needed to subsequently clear beveled locking structures, 274, 282, after the pressing operation is completed.

Therefore when a press operation is completed the top half of the press lowers about one half an inch in most embodiments providing the clearance needed to separate the locking structures 274, 282. Then upper latch plate 282 is further cleared away to accommodate an incoming or outgoing truss 20, as shown in FIG. 5. This is quickly accomplished as a hydraulic actuator 300 moves a crank arm 302, that is nonrotatably secured to rotatable torque tube 290. Upon rotation of torque tube 290, all upper latch plates 282 and their tension rods 284, 286 swing out of the way of any truss 20 that is ready to be moved in or out of press 104.

Inspection, stacking and/or delivery area Following the pressing of an all wood principal structural component, such as a truss 20, and the quick opening of side members 108, truss 20 is transversely moved to inspection table 306. Multiple rollers 308 in spaced groups throughout table 306 is tiltable downwardly to accommodate other material handling equipment such as a forklift truck, not shown. Table 306 may also serve as a support for a group of trusses 20 awaiting delivery.

SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE OUTSTANDING ADVANTAGES An all wood principal structural components 20 is available in many embodiments, each with all portions thereof glued together without any supplemental holding power being developed by any fasteners. Each component 20 carries comparatively greater loads than those ever carried before by previously available trusses that involved reliance on metal fasteners either solely or in combination with glue. Moreover, gluing of filler blocks and plywood gussets and haurrches at the respective joint/s strengthens these joints and also favorably modifies the bending stresses and other stresses in adjacent chords, diagonals, and/or struts of the open area trusses. The selected glues and their application under controlled temperatures and pressures hold all parts firmly together to receive and to transmit the overall design loadings. The steps of manufacture, inclusive of the application of glue, are all undertaken by using apparatus which uniquely includes an overall layout wherein the product is moved transversely to its longitudinal and/or longest axis. Such an apparatus is therefore operated in a much smaller factory space in much less time, with much less possibility of disturbing the fabrication prior to the fixing of the glued joints.

I claim:

1. A press facility used in fabricating products requiring controlled assembly of planar orientated components to be bonded together under pressure, such as an all Wood truss or joint, comprising:

(a) above and below adjustable supporting structures;

(b) upper and lower platens adjustably positioned by the above and below adjustable supporting structures to accommodate various products of respective different thicknesses leaving an initial clearance approximating the finite travel to occur upon compression of the product during an operation such as glue bond (c) a powered toggle linkage means to move the upper and lower platens together by applying a compressive force only through a predetermined finite travel distance providing maximum thrust at the end of the finite travel; and

(d) adjustable length tension means arranged to be cleared during loading and unloading of the press facility to permit movement of a product transversely to its longitudinal axis and to be secured between the above and below supporting structures of the respective upper and lower platens to carry the reactive load during the compression of a product in the press facility.

2. A press facility, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper and lower platen means are arranged in separable portions and made selectively adjustable with respect to their supporting structures of the press facility to be moved relative to one another to accommodate irregularities in a product to be compressed thereby assuring the finite compression stroke of the press facility will be distributed substantially evenly throughout such a product during bonding.

3. A press facility, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper and lower platen means are arranged in separable portions and readily moved along their supporting structures to be located over and under joints of a product to be compressed during bonding.

4. A press facility, as claimed in claim 2, wherein the upper and lower platen means are arranged in separable portions and readily moved along their supporting structures to be located over and under joints of a product to be compressed during bonding.

5. A press facility, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the upper and lower platen means are secured to rollers which roll along their supporting structures.

6. A press facility, as claimed in claim 5, wherein the platen means have heating means regulated to preselected temperature.

-7. A press facility, as claimed in claim 6, wherein the press facility is provided within an overall environmental means wherein a pre-selected temperature may be maintained.

8. A press facility, as claimed in claim 7, wherein a product layout means of the press facility is positioned adjacent the platen means.

9. A press facility, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the product layout means of the press facility has a transfer means to move a pre-assembled product for its entry between the upper and lower platens.

10. A press facility, as claimed in claim 9, wherein a product receiving means of the press facility is positioned adjacent the platen means.

11. A press facility, as claimed in claim 10, wherein the product receiving means of the press facility has a tilting means used in loading the product on a delivery conveyance.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,603,244 9/1971 Jurcit DIG. 13 1,749,545 3/1930 Pierce 100286 295,159 3/184 Fitts et al. IO-286 DOUGLAS I. DRUMMOND, Primary Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R.

10093 D, 281, 286, DIG. 13 

